Joseph+Howe

Joseph Howe
Joseph Howe was born Dec. 14, 1804 in Halifax Nova Scotia. Son of John Howe and Mary Edes. When Joseph Howe was 13 he was already helping his Father in his job as post master general and King's Printer. These offices would go to his half older brother who was older then him. Joseph had to find another means of work. The life changing decision was made near the beginning of 1827 when he and James Spike Purchased the Weekly Chronical and changes it's title to the Acadian. At the age of 23, being self – educated, he bought the Novascotian, and made it a popular and influential newspaper. He became one of Nova Scotia's best-loved politicians.

Joseph Howe married Catherine McNabb in 1828 and they had one son.

In 1835 Howe was charged with a serious criminal offence, after publishing a letter revealing political corruption. He went to court and was acquitted in what became known as the first example of free press in Canada.

Howe also had a long political career, which led to becoming Premier of Nova Scotia in 1860. He worked on Nova Scotia becoming the first British colony to have responsible government. He succeeded in having the railway go from Halifax to Windsor and Truro, Nova Scotia. He joined Canadian Cabinet in 1869. As president of the council he tried to better Nova Scotia. He became Lieutenant Governor under John A. Macdonald, in 1873 until his death that year. His writing ability, wit and spirit made him an idol in the province for many years.

Quote: “My public life is before you; and I know you will believe me when I say, that when I sit down in solitude to the labours of my profession, the only questions I ask myself are, What is right? What is just? What is for the public good?”